‘Fans would definitely get behind the team,’ insists Stuurman. ‘If we were awarded the franchise, we would be able to attract talented players, like Percy Montgomery, and an excellent coach, like Phil Pretorius. That would increase our support base.’

When awarding the new franchise, Sarfu must not only look at the field of play, but at the transformation of rugby in this country.’

Stuurman also believes that the Port Elizabeth area has the best infrastructure for the new side. ‘Look at schools like Grey PE and Selborne.

Those schoolboys move to other provinces after matriculating because they don’t have a reason to stay. If PE had a Super 14 team we could hold on to all that talent.’

While Bloem is expected to host the new team based on the recent success of the Free State Cheetahs, there are rumours that Sarfu will give the franchise to PE because of the region’s commitment to transformation.